This weekend I had a very graphic reminder that I am in a war.
I am not an aggressive person. I have never made the most of my physique to be in any way intimidating or imposing. I am not the confrontational type and tend to avoid conflict. I knock around with warrior types. It’s quite something being with folks who may not deliberately start a scrap, but lick their lips in anticipation of some rough and tumble. The determination, the temperament, the posture of fearlessness is breathtaking.
It is not because they are invulnerable, or have no concerns or even little anxieties. Some of my time with them saw them at times of despair. The remarkable aspect of these times was even under tremendous pressure with tears in the eyes and no guarantee of success, they would steel themselves in faith and embark on whatever they were called to do.
There are various parties who are keen to mute me. Some of them outside of me. Some of them lurking within. Greater is He that is in me does not negate the fact that others lurk there waiting for moments of weakness. Waiting and agitating for a chance to topple the rule of the Great One. They look to launch fiery darts of doubt, inadequacy, overwhelming feeling of absolute failure, self-defeating thoughts of uselessness which leads down a path towards depression, inertia and even thoughts towards a final solution.
This is why it is a fight. Timid, reclusive, retiring types won’t like that bit of faith, but that is it. It is a fight to believe it. It is a fight to keep on believing it. It is a fight to live by it. It is a fight to speak words in line with that. It is a fight to cultivate thoughts that generate acts along those lines. It is a fight because there is opposition. It is a fight because there is a victory to be won only by overcoming great adversaries.
In the fight there are hits. Even the strongest follower of Christ takes hits. The response to the hit determines whether you fight on or get overwhelmed by things.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I just can’t make it. Sometimes I feel like it’s too much for me. But then I am reminded and consoled by the truth. Sometimes I take the hit and it’s wounding.
But He who started the work in me reminds me of salvation that came through Him. He reminds me of the peace that comes through Him. He reminds me of healing and forgiveness that comes through Him. Those truths don’t stay as words on a page or in my head. They are part of relational knowledge manifesting itself tangibly in life experience.
Those truths also equip me to get over the wounds and learn to fight on. I am still learning. This weekend showed me how much there is to learn.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 